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Well, the seeds are set, the pairings are set, and four of the first-round series of the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs get underway tonight, as 16 teams vie to etch their names into Hockey’s Holy Grail.

So, that means the $64,000 question is: Who is going to win it all?

Will Washington become only the eighth team since the Presdients’ Trophy (best overall record) was awarded to win the Stanley Cup?

Will San Jose finally live up to the high expectations that came crashing down a year ago, when they became the latest to win the Prez before fizzling early?

Will Sid The Kid and the Penguins lift the Grail once again, becoming a rare repeat champion? Come to think of it, will Detroit continue its white-hot streak into the postseason and meet the Pens for the third straight year to play for the Cup?

"As much as I hate to say it… even as a fifth seed, the Detroit Red Wings are the team to beat."

Will Phoenix’s dream season continue with a deep run into the postseason, so soon after bankruptcy put the franchise in peril? That would be a hell of a story. It wasn’t too long ago that Ottawa did something similar… before losing in the Stanley Cup Finals.

As much as I hate to say it, after coming back from the brink of oblivion… even as a fifth seed, the Detroit Red Wings are the team to beat, if rookie netminder Jimmy Howard can continue to prove to be a solid goaltender like he was in the second half of this season.

Let’s have a quick look… and I mean quick. First in the Western Conference:

(1) San Jose vs. (8) Colorado
Sharks in 6

(2) Chicago vs. (7) Nashville
Preds in 7 (Yes, really)

(3) Vancouver vs. (6) Los Angeles
Canucks in 5

(4) Phoenix vs. (5) Detroit
Wings in 6

SEMIFINALS
Sharks over Preds
Wings over Canucks

WESTERN FINAL
Wings over Sharks

Now for the Eastern Conference (and yes, I noticed… strangely, I’m not calling any upsets here):

(1) Washington vs. (8) Montreal
Caps in 6

(2) New Jersey vs. (7) Philadelphia
Devils in 6

(3) Buffalo vs. (6) Boston
Sabres in 5

(4) Pittsburgh vs. (5) Ottawa
Pens in 5.

SEMIFINALS
Pens over Caps
Devils over Sabres

EASTERN FINAL
Devils over Pens

I can’t go any further. I’ve already said Detroit is the team to beat… I just don’t want to commit to “print” that I think Detroit has a damn good shot at winning it all. The thought of Todd Bertuzzi’s name on the Stanley Cup makes me throw up in my mouth a little, so I guess I’m leaving you hanging a little… but it’s for my health. Sorry.

Honestly, as bad as I was at my picks last year, Phoenix could completely bust my "bracket."  I pray they do.

Martin’s first-round picks (with a little analysis thrown in) are here or at http://tootoobites.blogspot.com...

Tags: columbus blue jackets, detroit red wings, phoenix coyotes nhl, pittsburgh penguins, san jose sharks, stanley cup playoffs, washington capitals